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LAKings.com's Prospect of the Week: King

To ask a first year professional player to come in and provide instant offense for a team decimated by injuries and call-ups is asking a lot.

But for 20 year-old center Dwight King, it seems to be exactly what he wants.

In his first fives games with the Manchester Monarchs, King has two goals and three assists for five points and a +/- rating of +4, earning the distinction as LAKings.com's Prospect of the Week.

"Obviously it's great to contribute offensively," King said. "I'm going out there every night and trying to create offense and create opportunities."

In his short time with the Monarchs, King has done just that.

Despite having to overcome a wealth of injuries and a number of key players getting called up to the Los Angeles Kings, the Monarchs have been able to maintain a steady level of production. Currently, the Monarchs sit atop the Atlantic Division of the AHL with 43 points and a record of 20-8-3.

King's quick offensive contributions can be listed as one of the many factors for the continued success of the team.

"It shows that he's had a good start," Los Angeles Kings Director of Player Development, Nelson Emerson, said. "Going back to Manchester is great for him and the fact that he's been able to step in and contribute is really beneficial."

King started the year with the Ontario Reign of the ECHL, where he scored four goals and notched five assists for nine points in 20 games. For a player in his first season as a professional hockey player, King said it was a great environment and one in which received valuable coaching and advice.

"It was a nice place to play," King said.

Following a training camp which he admitted was not his best, King has been focusing on developing more confidence as a player.

"I'm trying to get back on that level and I feel better about it," King said.

Emerson praised the physical attributes King has, pointing out the great skill he has for a player who is 6'3" and 220 pounds.

"He's a big body with great size and great skill, and when he uses all of those attributes, he's a tough guy to handle," Emerson said. "He's stepped up his game."

Emerson also noted that one of the toughest aspects of the transition from a junior team to a minor league team is the speed of the game. However, Emerson believes King won't have as much of a problem with this than other players might due to his physical attributes.

While King has gotten off to a hot start, Emerson was quick to point out how young King still is, and that at just 20 years old, there is a lot of development to still take place.

"He's still young and learning the ins and outs of pro hockey," Emerson said. "All young players have to go through a learning process and he's probably right on track."

If there is one area in particular in which he needs to improve in, King already has it figured out.

"Consistency is the biggest, not only in games but also in practices," King said. "If you do the little things right, you'll be successful anywhere."